CB1 Receptors in Human Brown Adipose Tissue

Endocannabinoids have an important role in regulating energy balance and metabolism. Cannabinoid 1 receptors (CB1) are found in several tissues such as brown adipose tissue (BAT). Endocannabinoids and CB1 receptors participate in the control of lipid and glucose metabolism, and blockage of CB1 receptors has been found to improve metabolic factors linked to obesity and cardiovascular disease, making CB1 antagonists potential drugs against obesity and diabetes.

In this study the investigators use a PET radiotracer [18F]FMPEP-d2, which binds to CB1 receptors in vivo, to quantify the CB1 receptor density in BAT, white adipose tissue, muscle and the brain. This study is done once in warm conditions and once during controlled cold exposure. To verify whether the subject has metabolically active BAT, an additional PET scan with the radiotracer [18F]FDG is performed.

Inclusion criteria

• Healthy volunteer
• Group 1: BMI 20-26 kg/m2, Group2: BMI 27-40 kg/m2

Exclusion criteria

• BMI < 20 kg/m2or BMI > 40 kg/m2
• Any chronic disease that could affect the study outcome, including medicated type 2 diabetes
• Mental disorder or poor compliance
• Eating disorder or excessive use of alcohol, tobacco smoking or drug use
• Past dose of radiation
• Presence of any ferromagnetic objects that would make MR imaging contraindicated
• Any other condition that in the opinion of the investigator could create a hazard to the subject safety, endanger the study procedures or interfere with the interpretation of study results